See if you qualify for meal benefits this summer

During the pandemic, the federal government provided pandemic-related Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits for qualifying students who learned remotely and did not have access to school lunch. It also provided an amount to each qualifying family to be used over the summer. That summer funding is now permanent, and all students attending an in-person school who qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024 are eligible to receive $120 ($40/month) to purchase food over the summer. 

Breakfast and lunch are free this year for all students, but this funding is only available to students who qualify for free & reduced-price lunch benefits due to their participation in specific state programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

• Foster care

• Medicaid  

Do you qualify?

• If you are participating in a state program listed above, you will automatically qualify for summer EBT benefits. We will automatically sign you up, and you will receive the S-EBT card in the mail at your primary household listed in the Parent Portal. Please check to be sure your contact information is up-to-date.

• If you have already applied for free & reduced-price meal benefits, and you have received your approval letter, you will automatically qualify for summer EBT benefits. We will automatically sign you up, and you will receive the S-EBT card in the mail at your primary household listed in the Parent Portal. Please check to be sure your contact information is up-to-date.

• If you are not participating in a state program and have not yet applied for free & reduced-price meal benefits, but think you may qualify, please apply! If you qualify, we will automatically sign you up for summer EBT benefits. To receive your S-EBT card in June, you must apply and be approved for free & reduced-price meal benefits by Wednesday, May 15.

Do you have questions? Please email the Child Nutrition office or call Janice Elyea-Wheeler at 952-975-8055.